Cortusa
Encyclopedia
Cortusa is a genus that consists of 19 species of delicate, hardy, alpine perennials, relative to Primula
both in general appearance and habit of growth. The genus is named by the herbalist Matthiolus
after his friend Cortusus, professor of botany at Padua
, who discovered the plant called today Cortusa matthioli
. The plants are flowering herbaceous perennials native to the mountains of southern and eastern Europe, including the Alps and the Carpathians, and some species native to China. Most of the species are small spring bloomers for shade and rock garden. These low-growing and rather handsome little plants have clumps of downy, light green, heart-shaped leaves with serrated edges. In late spring, small loose umbel of delicate bell-shaped to lily-liked flowers born terminally on drooping spikes arise from the base, some 6-8in high. Flowers are magenta, pink, white and yellow. They are dormant in some months, and as spring begins, stems and leaves quickly start to reproduce.
Primula
Primula is a genus of 400–500 species of low-growing herbs in the family Primulaceae. They include primrose, auricula, cowslip and oxlip. Many species are grown for their ornamental flowers...
both in general appearance and habit of growth. The genus is named by the herbalist Matthiolus
Pietro Andrea Mattioli
Pietro Andrea Gregorio Mattioli was a doctor and naturalist born in Siena.He received his MD at the University of Padua in 1523, and subsequently practiced the profession in Siena, Rome, Trento and Gorizia, becoming personal physician of Ferdinand II, Archduke of Austria in Prague and Ambras...
after his friend Cortusus, professor of botany at Padua
Padua
Padua is a city and comune in the Veneto, northern Italy. It is the capital of the province of Padua and the economic and communications hub of the area. Padua's population is 212,500 . The city is sometimes included, with Venice and Treviso, in the Padua-Treviso-Venice Metropolitan Area, having...
, who discovered the plant called today Cortusa matthioli
Cortusa matthioli
Cortusa matthioli is a flowering plant native to the mountains of southern and eastern Europe, including the Alps and the Carpathians.-External links:**...
. The plants are flowering herbaceous perennials native to the mountains of southern and eastern Europe, including the Alps and the Carpathians, and some species native to China. Most of the species are small spring bloomers for shade and rock garden. These low-growing and rather handsome little plants have clumps of downy, light green, heart-shaped leaves with serrated edges. In late spring, small loose umbel of delicate bell-shaped to lily-liked flowers born terminally on drooping spikes arise from the base, some 6-8in high. Flowers are magenta, pink, white and yellow. They are dormant in some months, and as spring begins, stems and leaves quickly start to reproduce.
Species
- Cortusa altaica
- Cortusa brotheri
- Cortusa caucasica
- Cortusa matthioliCortusa matthioliCortusa matthioli is a flowering plant native to the mountains of southern and eastern Europe, including the Alps and the Carpathians.-External links:**...
(Alpine bells) - Cortusa sachalinensis
- Cortusa turcestanica